Welfare Reform

It is important I begin by assuring constituents that I want this Labour Government to progress with reform of Britain’s welfare system. It is broken. 

I strongly believe that the majority of people do not want to be reliant on benefits, they want to have access to well paid and secure employment. This Government, like Labour governments of the past, is working towards eradicating poverty and providing people with dignity and independence.

I have given careful and considerable thought to the measures the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced earlier this month, as well as the detail the Chancellor of the Exchequer provided in the Spring Statement about the changes to the welfare system. I have also had regard to the huge level of correspondence received from residents sharing their own personal circumstances as well as the concerns of local community groups.

In an effort to add context - here in Stockport constituency 19.5% of people are living with a disability and 21% of working age people are claiming universal credit. The harsh reality is that if you have a long-term illness or are disabled the cost of living is greater. Work needs to pay. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is in place to support the additional expense while maintaining dignity.

While I reiterate the need for reform and welcome the investment in the Pathways to Work scheme along with guarantees that those with chronic illnesses and disabilities will always be protected, I am worried by the findings of an independent impact assessment published this week that a further 250,000 people will be pushed into poverty- including 50,000 children. 

When I made the decision to enter the world of politics by joining the Labour Party and the trade union movement it was with the intention to make a positive difference to people’s lives, especially the most vulnerable and those in need in our communities.

To witness the impact of Conservative Party austerity on our society since 2010 has been devastating. 

As a result, while I recognise that the Labour Government must rebalance the British economy after too many years of Conservative chaos and mismanagement, the reforms to the welfare system as currently proposed do not have my support.

This has not been an easy decision to reach as I know the difficult choices and policies being taken by this Government in these early days will create the growth our country needs, fix the NHS and rebuild our public services.

I am grateful to everyone who has been in touch with me from Stockport constituency. Please be assured that I will continue to urge the Government to reconsider the proposals to reform the welfare system.